When to Plant Chicory in Lincoln County, NM
Chicory is a hardy perennial grown for its bitter leaves and roots. The roots can be roasted as a coffee substitute, and the leaves add complexity to salads.
Lincoln County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 5,466 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 16.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chicory will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chicory successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chicory Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, NM
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
155 days
Growing Tips for Lincoln County
Sow seeds directly in spring. Thin plants to 8-12 inches apart. For forcing, dig roots in fall and replant in a dark, cool area to produce blanched chicons.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Chicory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Lincoln County, NM?
Lincoln County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, NM?
Lincoln County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lincoln County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.